'It was a mistake not to stay longer': Sunak says sorry for 'skipping D-Day event' to return to UK for interview
7 June 2024, 07:58 | Updated: 7 June 2024, 10:47
Rishi Sunak has said sorry for leaving D-Day commemorations in France early to return to the UK for an interview.
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Mr Sunak said it was not his intention for D-Day commemorations "to be overshadowed by politics".
It comes after he skipped a gathering of world leaders on Omaha Beach as he returned back to the UK to give an interview defending comments he had made about Labour's tax plans.
He said he had been "honoured" to mark the 80th anniversary in both Portsmouth and France, adding that it was a mistake not to stay longer.
"The 80th anniversary of D-Day has been a profound moment to honour the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our values, our freedom and our democracy," Mr Sunak said.
"This anniversary should be about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The last thing I want is for the commemorations to be overshadowed by politics.
"I care deeply about veterans and have been honoured to represent the UK at a number of events in Portsmouth and France over the past two days and to meet those who fought so bravely.
"After the conclusion of the British event in Normandy, I returned back to the UK. On reflection, it was a mistake not to stay in France longer – and I apologise."
Responding to the Prime Minister's apology, Jonathan Ashworth, Labour's Shadow Paymaster General, said: "Yesterday’s D-Day commemorations were about remembering the bravery of all those who serve our country.
"In choosing to prioritise his own vanity TV appearances over our veterans, Rishi Sunak has shown what is most important to him.
"It is yet more desperation, yet more chaos, and yet more dreadful judgement from this out of touch Prime Minister."
Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said Sunak's decision to leave the D-Day anniversary events early was a "significant mistake".
He told the Sun he understood the outrage but defended the Prime Minister's record on veterans.
"I get the outrage. It's a mistake. It's a significant mistake for which he's apologised.
"But I'm also not going to join the howls of the fake veterans supporters who say he doesn't treat veterans correctly, because it's not correct."
He added: "Obviously it's a mistake. The PM on these visits receives a lot of advice on what he should and shouldn't be doing.
"I've spoken to the Prime Minister this morning and obviously it's disappointing, but I do find the faux outrage from people who've done nothing but make my life difficult trying to improve veterans' affairs over the years is pretty nauseating, to be frank."
Foreign Secretary David Cameron took Mr Sunak's place at the event and was seen in photos with Joe Biden and other leaders at the event.
The PM's rival for Downing Street, Keir Starmer, also stayed behind at the event.
It came after Mr Sunak spoke earlier in the D-Day programme to pay tribute to veterans.
Paul Brand, who was conducting the interview Mr Sunak, said: "Today was the slot we were offered ... we don't know why."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Rishi Sunak had "brought shame" to the office of Prime Minister by leaving Normandy early.
"One of the greatest privileges of the office of Prime Minister is to be there to honour those who served, yet Rishi Sunak abandoned them on the beaches of Normandy," Sir Ed said.
"He has brought shame to that office and let down our country.
"I am thinking right now of all those veterans and their families he left behind and the hurt they must be feeling. It is a total dereliction of duty and shows why this Conservative Government just has to go."
Mr Sunak's absence for part of the ceremony sparked disbelief from onlookers in the armed forces.
Colonel Richard Kemp said: "I know there is a General Election campaign to fight but this is a very significant anniversary of a major military achievement which led to freedom in Europe.
"It’s being attended by some of the veterans who may never attend another due to their age. I think it was very important that he showed his commitment to it.
"He should have stayed. As the PM of our country he should have been there to represent the country and to show our gratitude to those who fell."
Colonel Hamish de Bretton Gordon, a retired army officer, said: "It's a great disappointment. What could be more important than respecting the people who gave their lives for this country?"
Campaigning had largely been suspended over as the 80th anniversary of D-Day took centre stage, and Mr Sunak appeared in his prime ministerial capacity at various commemoration events.
Tory sources had played down the diplomatic impact of the PM's absence in Normandy later on Thursday, pointing out he will be meeting other G7 leaders next week at a summit in Italy.
